Labor Day is the ideal reason to fire up the grill, hang out with friends and family, and soak up those final summer vibes. Whether you’re throwing a backyard BBQ or having a chill picnic, we’ve got your back with a tasty lineup of sides, desserts, drinks, and filling mains that are sure to wow everyone. Check out our ultimate Labor Day roundup, where every dish is set to make your holiday bash a tasty hit! That final summer burger has never been so scrumptious.
The Best End of Summer Labor Day Cookout Yet!
That last summer dinner is always bittersweet, friend. It doesn't matter that pumpkin spice has hit the blog, summer's not over until we have one last summer backyard bbq on Labor Day weekend.
And if it's the official unofficial last day of summer, the food has to be on point, honey!
I’m already dreaming about firing up the grill. There’s something about the smell of a juicy burger that just feels right, you know? And let’s be real—if you haven’t topped yours with crispy bacon and a tangy bbq sauce, you’re missing out. But hey, I’m also a sucker for perfectly grilled chicken, especially when it’s been marinated in something bright and zesty. It’s simple, fresh, and guaranteed to please everyone.
Naturally, no get-together is truly complete without some exceptional side dishes. I’m referring to a watermelon salad that embodies summer in a bowl—succulent, sweet, and with just the right hint of tanginess from the feta. And we can’t overlook grilled corn on the cob. While it’s a staple, when you slather it with a cilantro and lime butter, it instantly becomes the star of the show.
Then there’s dessert, which, let’s be honest, is always the part I’m most excited about. A warm peach cobbler with a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream? Yes, please! Or maybe you’re more of a chocolate person—how does a cone of homemade s'mores ice cream with fudge ripple sound? It’s indulgent, it’s rich, and it’s exactly what you need to finish off the day.
Whether you are celebrating summer or the last three day weekend until November, these are my favorite Labor Day recipes, perfect for summer but especially perfect for celebrations!
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50 Best Labor Day Cookout Recipes
Crowd Pleasing Mains
These crowd-pleasing mains are sure to be the star of your Labor Day feast, satisfying even the heartiest appetites.
If you’ve never tried smoked burgers, get ready to change your game forever! This recipe gives you a super juicy burger with no hassle, making it a total win for cookouts and potlucks.
Korean baby back ribs with gochujang glaze are seriously tasty! They mix sweet, savory, and spicy flavors all in one bite. These bbq ribs are super tender, seasoned with an easy rub, and then slathered in a sweet and spicy sauce.
Is it a Labor Day bash without crunchy, juicy fried chicken? This recipe is a reader favorite -- a foolproof beginner-friendly recipe that took me an entire summer to perfect!
Barbecued chicken thighs are fantastic due to their tenderness, rich taste, and straightforward cooking method. Moreover, choosing the bone-in, skin-on thighs enhances the juiciness of the meat, making them a perfect choice for any cookout. Feel free to apply any dry seasoning you prefer, but the addition of smoked paprika truly elevates the chicken's flavor in this recipe!
Well-known in Brazil, the picanha steak is one of the most flavorful cuts of beef you will find. Also known as the sirloin cap, picanha has a generous layer of fat, bringing forth an amazing flavor in the meat itself.
The Santa Maria steak is a total hit on the West Coast! This smoked tri-tip recipe is super juicy, packed with flavor, and super quick and easy to whip up. It’s going to be your new favorite for backyard BBQs!
Adana Kebab is an amazing kebab made from finely chopped meat, stuck on a skewer, and grilled over charcoal. This tasty, spicy ground lamb dish is a must-try in Turkish street food and you can spot it on menus all over the globe.
Your barbecue needs some tasty, smoky chicken adobo tacos! We’re talking juicy chicken thighs soaked in spicy adobo sauce, grilled to perfection, and piled high with all the best toppings.
These pineapple chicken skewers are glazed with a tropical basting sauce and grilled until tender and caramelized. Easy, summery, and delicious!
Carne Asada is a breeze to whip up, especially with this awesome marinade that packs in tons of flavor. You just soak some skirt steak in citrus juice and fresh herbs, then slice it up to throw on nachos, tacos, or even sandwiches!
Grilling brats is a summertime staple in Wisconsin. Not your average BBQ hot dog, a good old fashioned beer brat takes any summer meal, barbeque, or party to the next level!
This super simple seafood boil recipe packed with tasty Cajun vibes comes together in a little over half an hour! You’ve got three kinds of seafood—snow crab legs, crawfish, and big shrimp—all soaking up a yummy broth with sausage, potatoes, and sweet corn.
Sandwiches
From classic to creative, these sandwiches are perfect for a laid-back Labor Day picnic or BBQ.
These messy, cheesy roast beef sliders with caramelized onions are great party apps! They’re stacked with juicy roast beef, slathered in a creamy garlic aioli, and brushed with a tasty butter sauce that’ll totally impress your friends.
Get ready for the best torta sandwich you’ll ever try! Juicy skirt steak marinated in a tasty mix of garlic and citrus, all piled high on a toasted bun with fresh tomatoes and lettuce, cilantro lime mayo, refried beans, pickled red onion, and creamy avocado slices.
It’s smoky, zesty and has a little bit of a kick to it. Pair is with some creamy slaw for a burger that will go down a storm at any BBQ.
This super easy Chicken Caprese Sandwich recipe packs all the yummy flavors of a caprese salad into a tasty combo of juicy chicken and crispy Italian bread. With some zesty Italian gremolata and a splash of olive oil, it's a simple and delicious way to enjoy those fresh veggies and herbs during the summer!
Juicy rotisserie chicken smothered in cheesy goodness is stuffed into a soft, buttery slider bun and loaded with crispy bacon for that awesome crunch! These sliders get a slather of garlic butter and are baked just right until the cheese is all melty and gooey over the tasty filling. One bite and you won’t be able to resist!
Connecticut-style warm butter lobster rolls are a classic New England summer sandwich. Steamed, shelled, then tossed in drawn butter and dressed with lemon zest and scallions, these are the old-school lobster rolls you've been looking for.
Can you believe this pulled mushroom sandwich is vegan?! It looks and tastes surprisingly similar to meat, but it’s made with just mushrooms. Perfect for your next summer bbq – you might even get some carnivores to give it a try!
Ham and Cheese Sliders are a fun, easy, and crazy delicious freezer-friendly dish that is a hit at get togethers with adults and kids alike!
Sides
No Labor Day cookout is complete without a spread of irresistible sides that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
Check out this awesome Burrata Arugula Salad! It's got super creamy burrata cheese, savory prosciutto, juicy peaches, cherries, sautéed corn, and avocado all piled on a bed of zesty arugula. Drizzle some homemade garlic and herb vinaigrette on top for the ultimate fresh summer salad experience!
This classic American coleslaw is super quick and easy to whip up with just a handful of simple ingredients and a zesty homemade dressing. It's perfect for topping tacos, bbq chicken, or tasty sandwiches.
This chimichurri potato salad skips the mayo. It’s packed with fresh herbs, garlic, and a kick from some red pepper. Super easy to whip up, and it tastes great whether it’s warm, cold, or just hanging out at room temp!
If you’re into zesty flavors and a little kick, you’ve gotta try this roasted chili corn salsa! The mix of smoky poblano peppers, spicy jalapeños, sweet corn, and zippy lime juice will totally blow your taste buds away. Whether you’re munching it with tortilla chips or using it to jazz up your favorite meals, this super simple and light dish is gonna be a crowd-pleaser at your party!
This summer, give a fun spin to the classic caprese with some creamy burrata instead of mozzarella, fresh basil, and juicy heirloom tomatoes. My burrata caprese salad comes together in under five minutes and is super easy to whip up. Just top it off with a pinch of flaky sea salt and a good splash of olive oil, and you’ve got the perfect appetizer or side dish for those outdoor meals all season long!
This really easy tomato avocado feta salad is an awesome side for all your BBQs. You've got juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, sweet grilled corn, and salty feta all mixed together, plus a tasty vinaigrette with fresh herbs that takes it to the next level.
Watermelon and feta salad is one of the most refreshing summer combos. It combines sweet, fruity, bitter, and salty together for a delicious summer salad.
My viral soul food mac is peak comfort food! It's all creamy, super rich, and cheesy to the max, plus those crispy, golden cheese edges? Total game-changer! Seriously, who can say no to perfectly baked mac and cheese?
Deviled Eggs are a southern staple that have become popular across the country because of their rich flavor, simple assembly, and classic look. They make a wonderful appetizer or side dish for your labor day cookout!
This Soul Food potato salad recipe is truly cookout worthy and will have you promoted to potato salad duty in your family after just one bite!
Your favorite sandwich, the BLT, is here in pasta salad form. Bacon, lettuce, and tomato are tossed in a creamy ranch dressing with rotini pasta to make this flavorful BLT Pasta Salad. Perfect for your next picnic or barbecue.
Once you give fresh summer corn a little boil in a buttery milk mix, you'll totally get why this is the ultimate way to cook corn! These two basic ingredients really bring out corn's natural sweetness, and it only takes ten minutes to make each kernel super salty, juicy, and ridiculously buttery.
This Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese is a flawless blend of velvety homemade cheese sauce, hearty pasta, and smoky barbecue. The delectable pairing of indulgently creamy mac and cheese with savory pulled pork is bound to have everyone in the family asking for more (perhaps even a third helping!). Actually, it might be a good idea to prepare a double portion!
Desserts
Sweeten up your celebration with desserts that are as festive as they are delicious.
This easy no-churn s'mores ice cream recipe is the perfect summer dessert! It’s got a smooth marshmallow base, swirls of rich fudge, and yummy layers of toasted marshmallow and chopped chocolate, all mixed in with some crunchy graham cracker crumbs.
This rustic peach almond galette is all about that flaky, buttery crust packed with delicious, moist almond filling and fresh, juicy summer peaches baked right in. You can totally switch it up with different fruits too, making this galette super flexible. Pair any version with a dollop of whipped cream, or just dig in and enjoy it as is!
These Mixed Berry Watermelon Yogurt Popsicles are super easy to whip up in just 3 simple steps. They’re dairy-free and taste like a sweet treat! It's got half yogurt and half blended berries. Plus, there are yummy chunks of watermelon in every bite for an extra punch of summer. No extra sugar needed—these popsicles are packed with flavor!
These waffle cones filled with cheesecake are packed with a smooth no-bake filling and crafted from a crunchy, homemade chocolate waffle cone. The interior is coated with melted chocolate and crushed Oreos, then generously filled with a rich cheesecake mixture made from peanut butter cups and Butterfinger.
There’s nothing quite like a big bowl of warm homemade peach cobbler and a scoop of ice cream after dinner on a late summer night. Seriously, this peach cobbler recipe is a winner! It’s super easy to whip up using canned peaches and a yummy golden crust. It’s the ultimate comfort food to wrap up your cookout.
These are legit cherry pie bars! They’ve got a pie crust on the bottom and a cute lattice on top, stuffed with some a sweet and tart homemade cherry filling and baked into bar form. They’re just the thing when you’re in the mood for cherry pie but want to whip it up in half the time!
This Grilled Peaches Recipe is the perfect treat for the warm summer weather! This quick and easy recipe works great as a dessert or an appetizer to parties. Pair with Honey Mascarpone and fresh thyme for the perfect finish.
This homemade southern banana pudding is like a trip down memory lane! It's got layers of creamy pudding, banana slices, and vanilla wafers, all crowned with my no-fail fluffy meringue that won’t get soggy or fall flat.
Why not wow your guests with a dessert that's as tasty as it is stunning? This homemade lemon meringue tart features a buttery vanilla shortbread crust, a zesty and creamy lemon filling, and gorgeous Italian meringue on top. It’s totally ready to steal the show at your labor day bash!
Drinks and Mocktails (non-alcoholic)
For those skipping the booze, these mocktails and drinks offer all the flavor without the hangover.
Nothing beats a big chilled glass of watermelon water on a hot day. And when it comes to refreshing fruits, watermelon reigns supreme. With its sweet watermelon goodness, zesty lime juice, and a bit of sugar, this super easy agua fresca de sandia is like a sip of summer bliss!
Homemade southern sweet tea gets a tasty twist with some peach syrup, and it's topped off with fresh peach slices and mint. It's the ultimate summer drink made with easy ingredients!
These Strawberry Grapefruit Mint Spring Sodas are the perfect balance between tart and sweet with a nice fizz. Made with a simple mint syrup along with freshly sliced strawberries, grapefruit juice, and a coconut flavored carbonated water, these homemade sodas will leave you feeling refreshed on any sunny day. Vegan option available.
This easy and super cute tropical mocktail recipe, inspired by sunrises, is gonna be your fam's favorite drink for summer! A mix of fruit juices, grenadine, and ginger beer creates a sweet and refreshing drink that brings that tropical feel to your cookouts.
Boozy! (21+)
This tasty Pineapple Crush is the perfect tropical drink for your summer party. It’s super easy to whip up and totally yummy with fresh pineapple bits, rum, and lime. It’s like sipping on a vacation! Whether you want to make one for yourself or a whole pitcher to share, you can’t go wrong!
Delicious pieces of watermelon mixed with margarita flavors create a super refreshing, tequila-packed summery snack!
Who doesn’t love s'mores, right? A grown-up twist on this classic campfire snack is the ultimate way to bid farewell to summer. My s'mores martini recipe features chocolate-covered graham cracker rims and a rich, creamy chocolate martini! Top it off with a toasted marshmallow for a dessert drink that’ll totally satisfy your cravings.
Watermelon Vodka Cocktails are the ultimate summer sippers, and this recipe is just what you need for your bash! The zesty lime juice balances out the sweet watermelon, giving you an awesome flavor combo for your summer drink.
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